Smells like Smoke

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Today, Thatboy and I went to the movies. Before the movie started Thatboy reached over and smelled my arm. Thinking he was about to say something sweet I turned expectantly. "You still smell like campfire" he whispered to me.

And probably I will continue to smell like campfire for days to come - because that's the nature of things.

But you're probably wondering why I smell like campfire, so let me back up a bit.

I always joke that my social calendar is feast or famine. I either having nothing planned, or multiple things all planned at the same time. That was my Saturday.

It began with H's baby shower.

Little H (h?) is coming at the end of July. Although it seemed like h might have been confused about dates, or eager to attend the shower, because there were threats there might be an early appearance. Luckily it was a false alarm.


So H was on chair-rest for the shower itself, but really, she should be waited upon hand and foot even if she wasn't! And between you and me, she looks fabulous for 33 weeks pregnant.

After the shower, I picked up Thatboy so we could head to a birthday bbq! At the shower, the sun was beating down. Of course, as soon as we got the bbq the sun went away and it got cold grey. Luckily our hosts had all situations covered and as soon as the sun set the fire pit was lit. As we all huddled around roasting smores I turned to the other guests and said something along the lines of 'You know we're all going to smell like a campfire all night." Someone should hire me for my prediction skills. Because upon arriving home EVERYTHING had to go in the wash. And even though we washed and shampooed and conditioned, that's a smell that just doesn't come out easily.

But that was the only con of the day. Otherwise, I have to say, the bbq had some amazing food. Sausages, homemade salsas, burgers, grilled veggies, lumpia, salads, and ribs that smelled so good I could tell the instant they hit the grill. And they disappeared in record time.

Maybe you don't have a firepit in your backyard, but this is definitely the time of year to invite some friends over and light the grill. The thing I love about barbecue is that everyone has a different definition, and a different preference. But me? I love all styles! I love wet drippy ribs, and sweet and smokey dry rubs. The only thing I'm partially too is charcoal over gas. You just can't replicate that flavor! This is a really easy dry rub I use for ribs and chickens. The brown sugar is key for the sweetness, but my special secret is the chipotle chili powder for a bit of smokey kick- a flavor Thatboy requests.

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Rub
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2 Tbsp smoked paprika
1 Tbsp black pepper
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp chipotle chili powder
1 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 Tbsp garlic powder

1. Combine all ingredients.
2. Rub onto your meat of choice (we like it on chicken).
3. Allow the rub to sit on the meat 6-8 hours or overnight.
4. Grill as desired.